During their first year of life, babies are at their most vulnerable to viruses, bacteria and parasitic infections, which can lead to anything from a mild attack of thrush to the more serious condition of gastroenteritis. This is an illness similar to food poisoning, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and subsequent dehydration.
Before sterilization was the norm, thousands of infant deaths were caused by gastroenteritis problems. The cases we see now, which are rarely as serious, are often connected to inadequate sterilizing procedures. It is not possible or practical to create a totally germ-free environment for your baby but you can reduce the risks during his vulnerable first year.
Cleaning your baby's equipment
It is not enough to wash bottles in soapy water alone, although before sterilizing they need to be cleaned thoroughly along with the teats, so that every trace of milk is removed. Make sure that the detergent you use has been carefully rinsed off and run water through each teat to ensure the hole is not clogged with milk curds. Using salt is no longer recommended for the cleansing of silicone teats but is perfectly safe with latex ones. Just tip a little salt into the teat, grind the teat between your fingers, and then rinse thoroughly. Check teats and bottles carefully and throw out any with splits or cracks because damaged surfaces can also harbor bacteria.
